Behavioral Sciences (Graduate)

The graduate plan in Behavioral Sciences leads to the master of arts (MA) degree. The plan is a vehicle for advanced study of human behavior. Although course work is taken primarily in psychology, sociology and anthropology, students are encouraged to take additional course work in other appropriate areas. Applicants should have strong undergraduate preparation in the behavioral sciences; those with fewer than 12 upper‑level hours are required to take additional undergraduate course work at UHCL. Inquiries should be addressed to the advising coordinator.

Areas of Non-Clinical Study

The following areas of study are available to graduate students in Behavioral Sciences:

• Behavioral Sciences-General
• Behavioral Sciences-Psychology
• Behavioral Sciences-Sociology

These plans are not designed to prepare students to deliver clinical services, but, depending on the plan, to deliver human services, teach in community colleges or for preparation for further graduate study.

Degree Requirements

The Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) must include the following requirements:

1. A minimum of twelve upper-level hours in the behavioral sciences (anthropology, psychology, sociology). If this requirement has not been met prior to admission, then such courses must be taken before beginning work toward the master of arts
2. Minimum of 36 hours, at least 30 of which must be earned in courses at the 5000 or 6000 level.
3. Six hours in Research Design and Statistical Measurement at the 5000 or 6000 level.
4. A minimum of six hours in one of the following master's options.

   a. Master’s Thesis

   b. Master's Project

   c. Graduate Internship

5. Carrying out Registering for a master's thesis, project or internship should not be seen as an automatic right. Students wishing to do a master's option must submit a master's option proposal. For the thesis or project the proposal should be three to six pages in length. It should include a literature review, with references and a statement of the proposed methodology for carrying out the thesis or project. Before registering for thesis or project a student must have the approval of a faculty member who agrees to supervise the work. Before registering for an internship a student must apply through the internship coordinator and meet the required criteria, including a grade point average of 3.00 or better. The university reserves the right to deny admittance to or remove a specific student from a specific internship.
6. 6. Students in the course work option in Psychology are required to complete the capstone course, PSYC 6735 Pro-Seminar in General Psychology. Students in PSYC 6735 are required to write an extensive integrative paper concerning their area of interest as it is related to current psychological theory and research.
7. Grades of "B-" or better must be earned for at least 30 hours of course work. Grades of "C+" or below are not acceptable for these 30 hours.
8. Maximum of 12 graduate credits earned at another institution may be applied toward the master of arts degree if the following requirements are met:

   a. The course or courses are pertinent to the degree objective and the CPS. The course or courses were taken not more than five years before admission to graduate study at UHCL.